Leavenworth named Tree City USA for 20th year

Leavenworth once again has been named a Tree City USA, making it the 20th year the city has received the designation.

John Richmeierjrichmeier@leavenworthtimes.com

Leavenworth once again has been named a Tree City USA, making it the 20th year the city has received the designation.

"It brings an awareness to the community and the importance of trees," Leavenworth Park Superintendent Steve Grant said.

Grant said people may sometimes take trees for granted. He said trees provide shade for homes as well as lumber for houses. "They're a renewable resource," he said.

He said trees can affect property values, and they provide everyday beauty.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

The city of Lansing also is a Tree City USA, having had the designation for 14 years, Lansing Public Information Officer Ken Miller said.

There are more than 3,400 Tree City USA communities. The cities have a combined population of more than 135 million, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.

To qualify as a Tree City USA community, cities must meet four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.

Each city is required to have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The city of Leavenworth will have an Arbor Day observance at noon April 25 at Hawthorn Park at Ohio Street and Grand Avenue. A tree will be planted in memory of local baseball umpire Bill Alford. The event is open to the public.

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